Moving to Spain With Children

Schools, healthcare, costs and Israeli community in Spain for relocating families.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-04
Schools Abroad
Good public schools; strong international school network in major cities.
Family Healthcare
Sistema Nacional de Salud is excellent; one of Europe's best public health systems.
Childcare Costs
Affordable outside Madrid and Barcelona; food and leisure costs are low.

Moving to Spain With Children

Spain has a Mediterranean climate, relatively affordable living, and Jewish communities in Barcelona and Madrid with deep historical roots.

Schools

Public schools are free and taught in Spanish (and the regional language, Catalan in Barcelona). International schools offer English or bilingual education at €6,000–€18,000/year. Jewish schools operate in Barcelona and Madrid.

Healthcare

Spain's public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) is available to registered residents and is high quality. Private supplemental insurance (€50–€100/month/family) is common for faster access.

Childcare & Daycare

Public escuelas infantiles are subsidized and income-based. Private nurseries cost €400–€900/month. Waiting lists for public spots are long in Barcelona, so apply early.

Israeli Community

Barcelona has a growing Israeli and Jewish community of approximately 15,000–20,000. The Gràcia and Eixample neighborhoods are popular. Madrid's community is smaller but established. Kosher restaurants, Hebrew schools, and community organizations operate in both cities.

Practical Tips

  • Register at the local Padrón (census) immediately, as it is required for school enrollment and health access.
  • Learning Catalan (in Barcelona) or Spanish is important for daily life and school integration.
  • The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is popular with Israeli remote workers.